Competitions

The Formula Sun Grand Prix is a prestigious three-day competition where solar car teams from across the United States converge to showcase their engineering prowess and commitment to sustainability. Over the course of this high-stakes event, teams vie to cover a challenging 200-mile distance within just two days, pushing the boundaries of solar-powered transportation.

Successfully reaching this milestone earns teams the opportunity to advance to the American Solar Challenge (ASC), and further highlight their innovative solutions and technological advancements.

In 2024, the Formula Sun Grand Prix will be hosted at the National Corvette Museum, promising a unique and demanding route that blends urban landscapes with rural settings. Against this backdrop, teams will navigate technical challenges and scenic vistas, pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.

The American Solar Challenge is a biennial event that tests the endurance and innovation of solar car teams across the United States. Teams design, build, and operate solar-powered vehicles capable of traversing hundreds of miles using renewable energy sources such as sunlight. The competition unfolds across a challenging route, with teams navigating through diverse landscapes and terrains, showcasing their vehicles' capabilities while promoting innovation and sustainability in transportation solutions.

The competition is divided into four stages, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for participants. Stage 1 begins in Nashville, TN, leading teams through Paducah, KY, and Edwardsville, IL. Stage 2 sees competitors navigating through Jefferson City, MO, Independence, MO, and St. Joseph, MO. Stage 3 leads teams from St. Joseph, MO, through Beatrice, NE, Kearney, NE, and Gering, NE, before the final leg, Stage 4, commences in Gering, NE, concluding in Casper, WY. These stages test the vehicles' reliability, efficiency, and durability while providing strategic opportunities for teams to fine-tune their designs and recharge their batteries.